07 July 2026, AU: Each year, Farmsafe Australia leads National Farm Safety Week to raise awareness of on-farm risks and promote practical safety practices that help protect farming families, workers and rural communities.
This year’s theme, Set the Standard – Show ’em How It’s Done, highlights the important role individuals play in shaping what is considered normal practice on farm.
Proactive farm safety means thinking ahead, making deliberate decisions, and leading by example. In the lead up to National Farm Safety Week, we wanted to outline some key principles to help set the standard.
Livestock Handling
Safe livestock handling starts with the example set in the yards and on farm. Every action, from how stock is moved to how pressure is managed, demonstrates what safe, professional handling looks like.
Elders’ Livestock Handling Safety video is now available publicly. While this video has been put together to support the training of our staff, Elders is pleased to share it more broadly to provide a practical demonstration of the behaviours and approach that underpin safe handling. Watch the video available on YouTube.
Keep livestock calm
Calm, controlled handling reduces risk and sets the standard for good practice. By understanding animal behaviour and working with livestock – not against them, you achieve safer, more consistent outcomes.
Pause and assess before starting
Rushing is one of the most common risks. Taking a steady approach and allowing animals time to settle often leads to safer and more efficient handling.
Check and maintain facilities regularly
Good infrastructure also plays a key role. Well-designed and maintained yards improve livestock flow and reduce exposure to hazards. Always check and confirm the safety of facilities before starting work.
Driver and Machinery Safety
Setting the standard in machinery use means building safe habits and demonstrating consistent, considered decision-making every time. When experienced operators model the right behaviours, it sets expectations for everyone on site and reinforces that there’s no such thing as cutting corners safely.
The same principles apply on the road, where safe driving habits are just as critical. Elders’ Driver Safety video has also been made publicly available, offering a practical guide to safe and responsible driving behaviours. Watch the video available on YouTube.
Start with consistent pre-start checks
Checking machinery, vehicles and trailers before use helps identify issues early and reinforces that safety is part of the job, not an optional extra.
Use the right equipment for the job
Selecting suitable machinery and vehicles ensures better control, stability and overall safety when carrying out tasks.
Operate with awareness and control
Adjusting speed, allowing for conditions and maintaining focus demonstrates safe, professional behaviour in all situations.
Know when to stop and reassess
If something does not feel right, whether it is the equipment, the load or your own condition, taking the time to stop and reassess sets a clear and visible standard for others.
General safety
First Aid Training
Being prepared for the worst-case scenario is a key part of proactive safety. First aid training builds the skills and confidence needed to respond when things go wrong, while also reinforcing a broader mindset of care and responsibility.
When farms prioritise first aid readiness and ensure people know what to do in an emergency, it reflects a commitment to safety that goes beyond prevention to caring for one another in critical moments.
Support and Wellbeing
Setting the standard in safety also means recognising the importance of mental health and overall wellbeing. Fatigue, stress and isolation can all impact decision-making and increase risk.
Checking in with one another and taking breaks when needed helps foster safer, healthier and more sustainable farming communities. These everyday actions play an important role in building a culture where people genuinely look out for each other.
Safety shouldn’t stop at the end of your driveway. Sharing knowledge, best practices and lessons learned with neighbours, contractors and partners helps lift standards across the broader farming community.
Elders is proud to support this through our partnership with Farmsafe Australia, contributing to awareness, education and practical resources that promote safer farming practices nationwide.
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